Work
Working in Korea
Read your contract. Know your rights. Understand the culture. Find the job.
Last updated: March 2026
Employment Contract
What every clause in your contract means
Korean employment contracts are written in Korean. Here's what each section means — and what to watch out for.
Regular (정규직) vs. contract (계약직) vs. part-time (시간제). Regular employees get the most protections. Contract employees hired for 2+ years must be converted to regular status.
Watch out: If the contract lists you as 'freelance' but you work set hours at a set workplace, you may legally be an employee — with all the associated rights.
💡 Before signing, go through every clause line by line. You have the right to ask for an explanation of anything you don't understand — even if it feels awkward.
Your Rights
Know your rights — they apply to you too
Many foreigners in Korea don't know their rights — and some employers count on that. Korean labor law protects you regardless of nationality or visa status.
Minimum Wage
최저임금
As of 2024, Korea's minimum wage is ₩9,860/hour (₩2,060,740/month for full-time). This applies to ALL workers in Korea regardless of visa status or nationality.
Right to Refuse Illegal Orders
불법 지시 거부권
You have the right to refuse orders that are illegal (working unpaid hours, discriminatory actions). Document everything in writing if you refuse — emails, texts.
Maternity / Paternity Leave
출산/육아 휴직
90 days paid maternity leave, 10 days paid paternity leave. Up to 1 year additional parental leave per parent. Applies to foreigners as well.
Right to Inspect Your Employment Records
근로 기록 열람권
You can request your payroll records and labor records at any time. Employers must keep records for 3 years.
Reporting Workplace Violations
노동법 위반 신고
Call the Ministry of Employment and Labor (고용노동부) at 1350 (free, some English). You can also visit any Labor Standards Office (근로기준서). Anonymous reports are accepted.
Questions about your rights at work?
Ministry of Employment and Labor hotline — some English available, free to call
Workplace Culture
Navigating Korean work culture
Korean workplace culture can feel surprising if you're coming from abroad. This isn't a critique — it's a navigation guide so you can settle in with confidence.
Hierarchy (직급) is Real
직급 문화
Korean workplaces have strict hierarchies. Your title (사원 → 대리 → 과장 → 차장 → 부장 → 임원) matters. Address seniors by title, not first name. Never speak informally to a superior without invitation.
회식 (Hoesik) — Work Dinners
회식 문화
After-work team dinners are common and sometimes semi-mandatory. Declining repeatedly can affect relationships. You don't have to drink alcohol but staying for the meal is appreciated. Usually involves Korean BBQ, soju, and multiple rounds.
Being Last to Leave
퇴근 문화
In some traditional workplaces, leaving before your boss — even if your work is done — is frowned upon. This is changing in newer, more international companies. Read your workplace culture carefully.
Indirect Communication
간접적 소통
Direct 'no' is uncommon. '한번 해볼게요' (I'll try) often means it won't happen. '어렵겠는데요' (That seems difficult) means no. Learn to read between the lines.
Gift-giving & Respect
선물과 예의
Small gifts for important occasions (holidays, returning from travel, promotion) are appreciated. Receiving a gift: accept with two hands or right hand with left supporting. Don't open gifts immediately in front of the giver.
Struggling with cultural differences at work? The Seoul Global Center (02-2075-4180) offers counseling for foreign workers. They can help you navigate cultural situations and workplace conflicts.
Job Search
Finding work in Korea
The best job search channels vary a lot depending on what kind of work you're looking for. Here's where to start.
Teaching English
영어 강사
EPIK (English Program in Korea)
Government program placing English teachers in public schools. Great benefits: furnished apartment, health insurance, pension, flight reimbursement. Apply through your home country's EPIK recruiter.
Hagwon (학원) positions
Private English academies. Higher pay potential but more variable quality. Research thoroughly before signing. Look up reviews on Dave's ESL Cafe and expat Facebook groups.
University positions (E-1)
Less teaching hours, higher prestige. Usually require a Master's degree minimum. Salaries range from ₩2M-4M/month.
Corporate / Professional
기업/전문직
LinkedIn Korea
Most effective for professional jobs in Seoul. Many multinational companies hire through LinkedIn. Use Korean location filter.
Saramin (사람인) / JobKorea
Korea's biggest job boards. Korean-language, but many international company listings. Good for those with Korean language skills.
Korea4Expats / Facebook Groups
Expat-focused job boards. Lower-tech but community-vetted. Good for ESL, hospitality, translation, and creative roles.
Freelancing / Remote
프리랜서/원격
Working remotely for a foreign company
If you work remotely for a non-Korean company on a non-work visa, this is a legal gray area. Many people do it; few get caught. But technically, you should have a work visa or be on a tourist visa re-entering Korea frequently.
Starting a business as a foreigner
You need a D-9 (corporate investment) or F-class visa to legally run a business. Minimum investment requirements apply. Consult a Korean 세무사 (tax accountant) before proceeding.
📋 For work visas (E-7, etc.), your employer handles most of the paperwork. Never start working without a valid visa — both you and your employer can face legal consequences.